Bhubaneswar, July 27: A total of 1,353 candidates appeared for the main written exams of Orissa Judicial Services (OJS) which started today. The exams would continue till July 30.

On the first day, the OJS aspirants appeared for two compulsory papers, general English and procedural laws. Examinations for the optional papers would be held over the next three days.

On July 28, the candidates would sit for law of crime, law of torts and jurisprudence, and the Constitution of India papers followed by law of property and personal law exams on July 29 and law of contract on July 30.

The exams are being held in five zones — Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, Berhampur and Sambalpur. In the capital, 592 candidates are taking the tests at three centres at Government High School, Unit – I, Capital Girls’ High School and Government Girls’ High School. The other centres are KKS Women’s College in Balasore, Khalikote (Autonomous) College in Berhampur, S.B. Women’s College in Cuttack and G.M. (Autonomous) College in Sambalpur.

Some of the candidates said that Orissa Public Service Commission, which conducted this exam, should nominate suitable and qualified persons to examine the various papers.

“Last year, professors who had the expertise in criminal law had been asked to assess the papers of law of property. Most of the students suffered because of this casual approach of the Orissa Public Service Commission. This time, they should look into this aspect and nominate the right persons to evaluate the answer scripts,” said a candidate.

The result of the final OJS exam is expected in early August. After the Sixth Pay Commission recommendation was implemented, the opening of jobs in the judicial sector has started to attract youngsters.

“That is why the competition has become stiff this time,” said Rasmita Nayak, an OJS aspirant.